Justices on Tuesday, March 26, heard arguments over the legality of California's Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that banned same-sex marriage after the state's legislature legalized it. If the U.S. Supreme Court strikes down California's Proposal 8 on the grounds that bans on same-sex marriage violate the U.S. Constitution, Michigan's constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage would fall.

On Wednesday, March 27, the High Court heard arguments over the legality of the Defense of Marriage Act, a federal law barring recognition of same-sex marriages.

Though the country waits on a decision from the high court, that hasn't stopped activity on the same-sex marriage front from pressing forward.

Rhode Island on April 24 took a big step toward becoming the 10th state to recognize gay marriage.

And that same day, a former top aide to GOP Gov. Tim Pawlenty publicly urged Minnesota Republican lawmakers to back gay marriage or risk losing young voters.

Meanwhile, French lawmakers this week voted to legalize same sex marriage.

"It makes me feel like a second-class citizen in my own state and my own country," said Burger, 38. "There are many benefits that my husband and I don't receive."

The Grand Blanc man teaches biology and physical science at the Carman-Ainsworth School District. He also serves as president of the teachers union there and is a member of the board of directors for the Michigan Education Association and the National Education Association.

On Aug. 5, 2006, at a Bed and Breakfast in Windsor, Ontario, the two were married in "a beautiful outdoor ceremony," said Burger.

But when it comes time to file taxes, or collect insurance benefits, or sign a mortgage -- the two are treated as individuals. Like two strangers.

"There are a whole host of benefits that I don't get because of my situation," Burger said. "I am in a very loving relationship with my partner. We have been married in, what we believe is, the eyes of God for seven years."

The idea that allowing marriage for same-sex couples would somehow harm the institution of marriage is ridiculous, he added.

"I've been married for seven years, it hasn't destroyed anything," he said. "Why don't we talk about outlawing divorce in this country?"